Almost half of the companies want to migrate – Diepresse.com

The approximately 1200 companies in the metal -technical industry (MTI) in Austria ensure 6.1 percent of domestic economic output. A share that is about as large as tourism. So if the metal industry is in an imbalance, this can also be felt in the overall economy. The production value of the industry is a quarter of the country’s industrial production. In 2024, the production value of domestic companies was EUR 45.2 billion. That is 3.2 billion euros less than 2023 and corresponds to a minus of 7.8 percent.

As early as 2023, the industry lost eight percent of the production value, recalls Christian Knill, chairman of the metal -technical industry association (FMTI). « That continued at the same speed in 2024. » Exports also decreased by 7.3 percent – in an industry that sells 78 percent of their products abroad. All against the background of the recession. It is the third year of recession in a row for industry.

The order inputs were drastically fallen in 2023, in 2024 they turned into the plus. This is not a positive signal for the industrialist. « This only indicates that we delivered faster, because the production value has fallen. » Both the shops in Germany and abroad decline.

The customs club from the United States goes one step further. The current status quo: ten percent inch. « If there is no agreement, the tariffs for the USA could increase to 25 percent, » says Knill. He hopes for an early agreement. For the time being, the importers « swallow » customs, « especially for goods that the USA does not have, » he reports. Such goods are, for example.

Fear of export stop

High tariffs can also lead to an export stop. Fatal for an industry with such a high export quota. To Germany, where there were 11.7 percent less exports in 2024, the United States is the second most important market for domestic businesses. This is followed by China, Switzerland, France, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and Hungary. Only in the United States and China was sold more in the previous year. A minus was recorded in all other countries.

30 percent of the companies fear an export stop, as the advocacy group raised in a survey. The vehicle industry shows that higher tariffs are stressed-25 percent apply there. « It is currently difficult for them to deliver to the USA, » said Knill.

In general, the view is currently cloudy. If the companies look at the rest of the year, almost every second company expects a negative operating result, according to the survey. « It’s dramatic, » says Knill. « If the companies do not make profits, they don’t invest in the location either. » 46 percent of companies think about the relocation of location or are already implementing a emigration. « We have to take that seriously, » warns Knill. All of this costs jobs. Around 5000 jobs were lost in the metal industry in 2024. And the job cuts continue, the industry representative is certain.

The call for an active industrial policy remains loud. The association also wants to highlight the fiscal effect that the approximately 1200 companies that are mostly family businesses. 10.4 billion euros in tax revenues and social security contributions « have to do with the fact that the metal industry is acting here in Austria, » says Herwig Schneider, Managing Director of the Industrial Science Institute (IWI).

The economist has calculated different scenarios for the future of the metal industry – a quick and hesitant implementation of the urgent measures for industry. The primary goal in the scenario with the best framework conditions for industry is the reduction in non -wage costs, competitive energy costs and wage degrees to the gaps between the galloping In Austria, compared to Germany and the euro area, costs to contain.

Small the gap

In the worst scenario, wages continue to rise sharply, the energy costs remain high and the tariffs are added. Then around 40,000 people would lose their jobs in the industry by 2030. For the added value, this scenario means a loss of eight billion euros. This includes employees, profits, taxes and interest payments, « our wealth, » says Schneider. He warns: « These are not trivial numbers. »

The most important three measures that the Federal Government still has to get on the way this year from the perspective of the metal industry: the reduction in non -wage costs, de -bureaucratization and an « open trade policy to catch up with other countries, » demands Knill.

With a view to the collective agreement negotiations in autumn, Knill is still calm. He can imagine a two -year conclusion again – « This means that the companies can plan better. » The most important thing for the industrialists is to not let the gaps in the wage costs, wages and salaries between Austria and Germany and the EU countries « close it even as best as possible ».